Volume 1 - CH 7

Chapter 7 - My Younger Brother is the Cutest in the World

[Akiyama Sumi's POV]

My younger brother is the cutest in the world. I wonder if she'll sing in kindergarten too? I hope the girls in kindergarten won't faint when they hear Iku's beautiful singing.

.......The boys in Iku's class are too ordinary, so all the girls will definitely go crazy over Iku.

Iku will also definitely be popular among the boys because of her kindness.

I opened my lunch box on my desk, while thinking about Iku.

Yes, of course, it was my mom who made this lunch box. Although she made it all for herself and me, but I really appreciate it that she went through the trouble of preparing it for me on her busy morning. Maybe I should try making it myself next time...

"Hey, hey, did you watch Minisuka-chan yesterday?

"Yeah, I watched it! I didn't expect her to have an affair with Slacks-san too."

"I hope Tank Top-kun is okay."

Behind me, the girls in my class were chatting happily. I, on the other hand, was alone.

Since I first entered high school, I had never eaten with my classmates. There were a few girls who talked to me, and some even looked at me warmly. But, I wasn't able to respond properly, because I couldn't speak well. I also couldn't smile in public anymore. It all happened since that day, when I was in the first grade of junior high school.

I was so ashamed of the fact that I didn't have anyone I could call a "Friend".

It was natural, because I was very unfriendly and couldn't say a single thoughtful thing.

But that's okay. I had Iku. I could be honest in front of Iku. And my heart felt full just with Iku's presence.

Since I was always the one who got something from Iku, I had to give something back to him. The only thing I, his older sister, could do was to be his amazing older sister. I had to be the perfect older sister, a woman who was flawless in everyone's eyes.

To do that, I had to look like I wasn't alone and stay strong. As his older sister, I can't look depressed. If I can't smile, then let it go. That way, I'll be able to give the impression of being cool and intelligent.

Being a cool older sister...

That's what I promised her. There's nothing strange about eating lunch alone. Because I'm the type of person who's uncomfortable when I'm with other people.

Come to think of it, I just had dinner with my classmates a few days ago. Twice in such close proximity. Thinking about it makes me remember the aroma of the curry she made...

"Listen to me, Mizuki."

"Yes. What's wrong with Soyoka-chan?"

"Did I say that it's about Soyoka? Well, whatever. By the way, did you know? Soyoka looked so cute yesterday! I swear!"

"Yup, 90% of what Kyota talks about is definitely about Soyoka-chan......"

I heard a cheerful voice. And as usual, I was annoyed with the source of that voice, Kuremoto Kyota.

He became my classmate this year, and today, he was again bragging about his own sister. Yes, although it's true that Soyoka-chan is a good girl and cute too.

But Iku is a hundred, no, a thousand times cuter than her. In addition, he also has a cool face, so he deserves to be called a miracle.

I want to go over there and correct her right now with Iku's picture, but I can't do anything but glare at her and leave it at that.

That's because I don't want to talk about Iku at school.....

After Iku's whereabouts became known to him, Kyota told me that I should act more naturally. It was my fault for showing a gap in front of him due to being too focused on Iku.

As I let it continue, my eyes met Kyota's. He seemed proud of her victory. So, I decided to teach her about how cute Iku was when I picked her up today.

"Hmm? Wasn't Akiyama-chan just looking at me?"

"It was just your imagination, wasn't it?"

"No, she really looked at me just now. Has she finally fallen in love with me?"

"It was just a coincidence that her line of sight was on you. It's a common misunderstanding. But, when you say it, it somehow sounds convincing and makes me upset."

We didn't talk to each other at school because I didn't want my relationship with her and Iku's existence to become public knowledge. But, we talked a lot outside of school. I never imagined that I would experience this last year.

I wonder if Kyota is ..... my friend?

"No, no. All this is just for Iku and Soyoka."

I muttered, and chewed on my nose to muffle the cough that came out. And as a result, I choked a little.

If the two older siblings didn't get along, then it would be awkward for the two of them, so I had to get involved with Kyota for their sake. Moreover, from what I heard, the relationship between guardians is just as important as the relationship between children.

I don't want Iku to feel disturbed because of us. I'm sure Kyota must be pretending to be friendly with me for Soyoka's sake too.

Well, if Kyota has trouble raising his younger sister, I can help him as a comrade in arms. If he begs of course...

An hour's lunch break was too long for me. After putting my lunch box into my bag, I felt bored.

Then, I took out my textbook and reviewed the material for the next exam. I had to study hard because I wanted to go to a public university so I could help pay for my education.

Shaking off all the thoughts that were bothering me, I concentrated on my studies.

"Soyoka is too popular ....... every time I pick her up, she always hangs out with the same boys, you know? As her older brother, it's my duty to suppress the people who target Soyoka, right?"

"Kindergarten romances are so cute, aren't they?"

"But I can't let my Soyoka be taken by another man."

Iku... was it Iku she was talking about? I can't bear to hear it.

Kyota... you're really bad at everything except housework. Especially those droopy eyes. It's you who's flirting with Iku! Honestly, I really want to run him over right now.

By the way, Golden Week is coming up, right? I've been too busy with school and kindergarten lately, and it's been a while since I was able to spend quality time with Iku.

Kyota might also have his own plans ...... but there's no reason for me to care about that.